The Coward: A Novel of Society and the Field in 1863: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Coward: A Novel of Society and the Field in 1863: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Coward: A Novel of Society and the Field in 1863 is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Morford, Henry (1823–1881).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Coward: A Novel of Society and the Field in 1863" by Henry Morford is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, particularly around the time leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. The narrative focuses on the emotional and moral struggles of Carlton Brand, a man grappling with cowardice and societal expectations, alongside the experiences of two prominent young women in his life, Margaret Hayley and Elsie Brand. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to a serene suburban setting in West Philadelphia, where the two young women share a moment of closeness on a sunny June morning. Their dialogue reveals deep themes of love, courage, and the expectation of manhood in the face of war. A powerful contrast emerges through their reflections on Carlton, who has not enlisted, with Margaret expressing her contempt for his perceived cowardice, while Elsie is more sympathetic. As the conversation unfolds, the tension around the expectations of bravery and personal integrity becomes palpable, foreshadowing the challenges and emotional turmoil each character will face as the war looms closer, particularly for Carlton, who is later revealed to struggle with his own sense of honor and self-worth. The opening sets the stage for a dramatic exploration of courage, love, and the societal pressures faced by individuals in tumultuous times.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Coward: A Novel of Society and the Field in 1863
- Author credits: Morford, Henry (1823–1881)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Historical Novels
- Category: Novels
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Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


